Manchester United might be reflecting on a missed opportunity as Jude Bellingham gets ready to shine for Real Madrid in the much-anticipated Champions League final.
The match on Saturday night at Wembley will see Bellingham facing his former club, Borussia Dortmund, which played a crucial role in his development after leaving Birmingham City.
This encounter will spotlight Bellingham, and a win against Dortmund would not only grant him the prestigious European club football trophy but also bolster his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.
Since his move to Real Madrid and securing the La Liga title, Bellingham has significantly developed from his debut as a talented sixteen-year-old at Birmingham City’s St Andrew’s.
His decision to reject a high-profile transfer to Manchester United in 2020, despite a persuasive pitch that reportedly frustrated the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson, has proven to be wise.
Bellingham’s exceptional talent was evident from his early days at Birmingham City, attracting interest from top European clubs. Manchester United was one of the leading contenders to sign him.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made extensive efforts to convince Bellingham, even enlisting several club legends to strengthen their proposal.
The Athletic reports that Solskjaer arranged a meeting between Sir Alex Ferguson and Bellingham’s family during their visit to Carrington.
However, the meeting took an unexpected turn when football director John Murtough interrupted to show Bellingham the training facilities, reportedly leaving Ferguson fuming due to the abrupt end.
Reflecting on that crucial meeting, Solskjaer shared with Stick to Football: “Jude was in the building, and present were myself, Sir Alex Ferguson, Bryan Robson, and Eric Cantona. We did everything we could to sell the club to him and had a meaningful discussion. But Jude knew exactly what he wanted, even at such a young age.
He was just seventeen but was the most mature seventeen-year-old I have ever seen, with a clear vision for his future.”
Despite Manchester United’s efforts, Bellingham chose a different path, one that has seen him excel at Real Madrid.
As he prepares for one of the most significant matches of his career at Wembley, Manchester United can only ponder what might have been. Meanwhile, Bellingham is on the brink of European glory, ready to cement his status as one of football’s brightest stars.
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